Around the globe, physics and astronomy labs—some on mountaintops, others underground—welcome visitors to tour the premises

They may be at work pursuing the greatest mysteries of the physical world—yet the men and women who operate the world’s most prestigious physics and astronomy laboratories aren’t necessarily too busy to host guests. Throughout the world, physics and astronomy labs—many of them shimmering like stars in the wake of tremendous discoveries and achievements, some on mountaintops, others underground—welcome visitors to tour the premises, see the equipment, look through the telescopes and ponder just why they almost always make you wear a hardhat.

CERN. It’s the little things in life that really matter to the researchers at CERN, or the European Organization for Nuclear Research. This facility—located near Geneva, Switzerland—has gained superstardom over the last year, after announcing the discovery of what had been a holy grail of physics for decades—sometimes called the “God particle.” First predicted by physicist Peter Higgs in 1964, the then-theoretical particle, which pops from a field that is believed to give other particles their mass—became known as the Higgs boson before more recently assuming its grandiose nickname. CERN’s $10 billion atom smasher, called the Large Hadron Collider, had been at work for several years in its subterranean home in the Alps, beneath the French-Swiss border, colliding protons at high speeds before rendering what seemed to be evidence for the God particle in 2012. After a year of analyzing data, CERN researchers officially announced in March that it was all but certain: They’d captured a handful of real, honest-to-God Higgs bosons (visible only via a peak on a graph of data). Should you be in the charming Swiss countryside this summer, consider taking a guided tour of this most distinguished of the world’s great physics laboratories.

Did you know? CERN’s researchers helped develop the World Wide Web as a way to share data among scientists.

Gran Sasso National Laboratory. Bundle up, say goodbye to the Italian sun and take a tour of the austere bowels of one of the largest underground laboratories in the world. The Gran Sasso National Laboratory welcomes visitors, who get to see some of the world’s finest physicists in action as they work on a variety of experiments. The laboratory is located thousands of feet below ground, beside a freeway tunnel within Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, and as wolves, deer and foxes in the wild country above chase and gobble each other up in their timeless ways, scientists in the Gran Sasso lab are busy pursuing the puzzles of neutrino physics, supernovas and dark matter. As part of an ongoing joint project, the Gran Sasso lab receives neutrino beams fired from the CERN lab, some 500 miles away. By observing a pattern of oscillations in such beams, protected from interfering particles by rock and water, scientists have been able to prove that neutrinos do have mass. (Still wearing that hardhat, I hope?)

W. M. Keck Observatory. Some of the largest telescopes on Earth stand on the summit of Mauna Kea, the 13,800-foot volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii. These instruments—about eight stories tall and weighing 300 tons each—have allowed researchers to pursue the most vexing of the universe’s questions: How do solar systems form? How fast is the universe expanding? What is its fate? Visitors age 16 and older can tour the site at a fee of $192. The tours last a marathon eight hours and include transportation, dinner, hot drinks and hooded parkas—which few tourists ever even think of packing along to Hawaii. WARNING: The high altitude of the site can pose pressure-related health hazards, and SCUBA divers should not visit the Keck Observatory shortly after any significant time spent underwater.

The Eli and Edythe L. Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT is founded on two core beliefs:

This generation has a historic opportunity and responsibility to transform medicine by using systematic approaches in the biological sciences to dramatically accelerate the understanding and treatment of disease.

To fulfill this mission, we need new kinds of research institutions, with a deeply collaborative spirit across disciplines and organizations, and having the capacity to tackle ambitious challenges.

Who is Broad?

The Broad Institute brings together a diverse group of individuals from across its partner institutions — undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, professional scientists, administrative professionals, and academic faculty.

The culture and environment at the Broad is designed to encourage creativity and to engage all participants, regardless of role or seniority, in the mission of the Institute. Within this setting, researchers are empowered — both intellectually and technically — to confront even the most difficult biomedical challenges.

The Institute’s organization is unique among biomedical research institutions. It encompasses three types of organizational units: core member laboratories, programs and platforms. Scientists within these units work closely together — and with other collaborators around the world — to tackle critical problems in human biology and disease.The Broad Institute is committed to meeting the most critical challenges in biology and medicine. Broad scientists pursue a wide variety of projects that cut across scientific disciplines and institutions. Collectively, these projects aim to:

Assemble a complete picture of the molecular components of life. The Human Genome Project was only a first step in laying out the ”Periodic Table” of life. Broad Institute scientists are working to extend this knowledge by identifying all of the functional elements in the human genome and revealing how these working parts vary both in humans and other species.

Define the biological circuits that underlie cellular responses.Genomic elements work together in “circuits” that determine how cells in the body process information and respond to their surroundings. Researchers at the Broad are working to gain a complete understanding of this complex biological circuitry and how it functions in human health and disease.

Uncover the molecular basis of major inherited diseases. The biological underpinnings of most inherited diseases remain a mystery, hampering efforts to prevent and treat them. Through comprehensive studies of genetic variation in human populations, Broad Institute researchers are working to identify the biological factors that influence susceptibility to a wide range of human diseases.

Unearth all the mutations that underlie different cancer types. Cancer is a genomic disease in which cells accumulate genetic alterations (called “mutations”) that confer new, often deadly properties. Broad scientists are creating systematic catalogues of these changes across different types of tumors, laying a foundation for the development of new cancer therapies as well as new diagnostic tools.

Discover the molecular basis of major infectious diseases. Viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens are responsible for an enormous burden of disease, especially in developing countries. Broad researchers are systematically defining the components in both pathogens and their hosts that enable pathogens to cause disease, knowledge that will bolster efforts to develop effective vaccines, rapid diagnostics, and new kinds of therapeutics.

Transform the process of therapeutic discovery and development. Pharmaceutical science has not kept pace with biomedical discovery: only a tiny fraction of human gene products are now targeted for therapeutic benefit. Broad scientists are exploring ways to innovate the drug-discovery process, including synthesizing chemicals of unprecedented diversity; testing candidate drugs on living cells and tissues; pioneering methods to rapidly identify drug targets; optimizing drug efficacy and safety; and uncovering ways to increase the accuracy and efficiency of clinical trials.

Vision for an Integrated Cell-Material Science

All cellular processes can ultimately be comprehended as chemical events, and such a chemical understanding of cells should allow us to mimic cellular processes using chemical materials. Our institute seeks to illuminate precisely such a chemical basis of cells, creating compounds to control processes in cells such as stem cells (materials for cell control) in addition to sparking cellular processes to create chemical materials (cell-inspired materials). Combining Kyoto University’s established strength in cell biology, chemistry, and physics to delve deeply into the mesoscale world lying at the boundary of materials and life, we are making a concerted effort, through interdisciplinary research, to ultimately create a new research field ofintegrated cell-material science.

Efforts to explain cell functions using chemistry are not new. Biochemistry, for instance, uses proteins as a starting point in attempting this at a molecular level, and molecular biology, while also focused on molecules, takes a DNA-based approach. And in their own ways, both methods have yielded significant innovations in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.

Meanwhile, cell biology has also seen substantial success by considering the cell as a whole, most notably in research related to embryonic stem (ES) cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, which are beginning to make an impact on the biomedical industry.

Our institute seeks a middle ground: between the large, whole-cell approach of cell biology, and the small, protein and DNA approaches of biochemistry and molecular biology. We call this the mesoscopic realm, lying between a few tens and a few hundreds of nanometers, on the border between materials and living matter. Investigating this boundary region, we strive to explain the material-chemical basis of cells’ living functions, ultimately using materials to create facsimiles of these mechanisms.

A study of the melded boundary between cells and materials based on a fusion of cell biology, chemistry, and physics is our goal. We seek to be the best in the world, with the fruits of our international, interdisciplinary labors bringing nourishment and fresh ideas to research in industries as diverse as medicine and the environment.

Our efforts are focused on examining the following two questions:

(1) Can we describe mesoscopic cellular processes in terms of chemistry?

Cells sustain life through properties of self-assembly and cooperative interactions among nearly countless chemical materials, moving ceaselessly in space and time. Broadening our scope beyond the narrow confines of nanoscale molecular interactions, we find it necessary to take a wider, mesoscopic view of molecular complexes. To accomplish this, we are pursuing the development of advanced imaging technologies and modeling, and physical and chemical technologies to dissect complex cellular events. We plan to focus on the following three areas:

Gene Expression Control in Stem Cells, such as a mesoscopic understanding of gene expression in cellular reprogramming and differentiation, and the development of materials to control such expression.

Organized Functions on the Cell Membrane, such as a mesoscopic understanding of mechanisms controlling channels and transporters, and the development of materials to control such systems.

Biogas Control, such as a mesoscopic understanding of mechanisms involving gsases in living systems, and the development of porous materials for cellular control using such gases.

(2) Can we reproduce mesoscopic cellular structures with materials, and manipulate them?

Renowned physicist Richard P. Feynman once wrote: “What I cannot create, I do not understand.” In other words, only in the process of creation can we achieve true understanding.

In this spirit, our institute aims to replicate mesoscopic cellular functions with designed materials (cell-inspired materials). This should be possible once a full understanding of such cellular processes (as described above) has been achieved. We therefore simultaneously advance analysis and synthesis, applying the resulting higher level of knowledge to further research, such as in the proposed creation of the following chemical materials:

Membranes for Cell Membrane Functions, such as the development of materials based on a mesoscopic understanding of the complex balance and interaction of processes on the cell membrane.

Energy Storage in Cells, such as the creation of mesoscopic materials mimicking living systems’ abilities to sort and store energy bearing ions and molecules, and materials to unlock the energy storage potential of carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas.

The Helleday Laboratory proudly presents a novel concept of treating cancer, based on a general non-oncogene addition in cancer cells. The new concept is that cancer cells are killed by their own high level of intrinsic oxidative stress, not present in normal cells. We target the MTH1 protein required to prevent oxidative stress in cancer to become DNA damage. Normal cells have low level of oxidative stress and don’t need the MTH1 protein. See how the concept works!

The Max Planck Society is Germany’s most successful research organization. Since its establishment in 1948, no fewer than 17 Nobel laureates have emerged from the ranks of its scientists, putting it on a par with the best and most prestigious research institutions worldwide. The more than 15,000 publications each year in internationally renowned scientific journals are proof of the outstanding research work conducted at Max Planck Institutes – and many of those articles are among the most-cited publications in the relevant field. What is the basis of this success? The scientific attractiveness of the Max Planck Society is based on its understanding of research: Max Planck Institutes are built up solely around the world’s leading researchers. They themselves define their research subjects and are given the best working conditions, as well as free reign in selecting their staff. This is the core of the Harnack principle, which dates back to Adolph von Harnack, the first president of the Kaiser Wilhelm Society, which was established in 1911. This principle has been successfully applied for nearly one hundred years. The Max Planck Society continues the tradition of its predecessor institution with this structural principle of the person-centered research organization. The currently 82 Max Planck Institutes conduct basic research in the service of the general public in the natural sciences, life sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. Max Planck Institutes focus on research fields that are particularly innovative, or that are especially demanding in terms of funding or time requirements. And their research spectrum is continually evolving: new institutes are established to find answers to seminal, forward-looking scientific questions, while others are closed when, for example, their research field has been widely established at universities. This continuous renewal preserves the scope the Max Planck Society needs to react quickly to pioneering scientific developments.

How to apply for a PhD position in the Max Planck Society

Max Planck Institutes

There is no such thing as “the” Max Planck Institute. In fact, the Max Planck Society operates a number of research institutions in Germany as well as abroad. These Max Planck Institutes are independent and autonomous in the selection and conduct of their research pursuits. To this end, they have their own, internally managed budgets, which can be supplemented by third party project funds. The quality of the research carried out at the institutes must meet the Max Planck Society’s excellence criteria. To ensure that this is the case, the institutes’ research activities undergo regular quality reviews. The Max Planck Institutes carry out basic research in the life sciences, natural sciences and the social and human sciences. It is thus almost impossible to allocate an individual institute to one single research field: conversely, it can be the case that different Max Planck Institutes carry out research in the same subject. To orientate yourself, please choose a research area first, and then a specific research field. The table will list all MPIs meeting your selection criteria.

The Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA) is a non-profit institute dedicated to understanding, treating, and preventing human ailments through biomedical research. BRFAA seeks to serve science and medicine, and to participate fully in global innovation through its commitment to the true integration of biology, medicine, and informatics.

All faculty members have a track record of academic excellence and joined BRFAA from leading US and European Research and Clinical Centers. Their different expertise complement each other beautifully and result in a powerful scientific team. More than 300 postdoctoral fellows, laboratory technicians, and Ph.D. students work closely with the faculty to unravel the mechanisms behind fundamental human diseases such as diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s, cardiomyopathies etc. The Foundation is also fortunate to have a talented and dedicated administrative staff that supports the research and helps make this complex organization work smoothly and effectively. Everyone at BRFAA is committed to scientific excellence and integrity in all that they do and are dedicated to making a positive impact on improving human quality of life.

Established by the Academy of Athens, the Foundation accommodates state-of-the-art facilities over a 25.000 square meter area for conducting internationally competitive biomedical research. It is equipped with a rich variety of highly specialized scientific equipment. The rigorous research performed at BRFAA has received international recognition and has attracted generous funds from competitive research grants. Yet the most promising endeavor of the Foundation is establishing an institute of academic excellence where basic research and clinical application can come together to better serve human life.

The National Hellenic Research Foundation was founded in 1958 originally under the name “Royal Research Foundation”. It is a non-profit Research Foundation supervised by the General Secretariat for Research and Technology (GSRT) of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs in Greece.

Today, NHRF consists of the following Institutes and Units:

Institute of Historical Research (IHR) that emerged in 2012 following the consolidation of the Institute of Greek & Roman Antiquity, the Institute of Byzantine Research and the Institute of Neohellenic Research (L.4051/29/2/2012, article 5, par.2). The IHR conducts research on the political, economic, social and cultural history of the Greek areas and the regions where Hellenism has been active, from prehistoric antiquity to the modern era.

Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology (IBMCB) established in 2012 as a result of the consolidation of the Institute of Biological Research and Biotechnology and the Institute of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry of NHRF (L.4051/29/2/2012, article 5, par.2). IBMCB acts as a focal point, unique within Greece, for innovation at the interface of Chemistry and Biology through a modern interdisciplinary approach to the solution of state-of-the-art issues in the areas of health, drug research and biotechnology.

Institute of Theoretical and Physical Chemistry (TPCI) established in 1979 from the merging of the Institutes of Physical Chemistry (est.1968) and Theoretical Chemistry (est.1976). TPCI advances research in selected fields of experimental and computational/theoretical chemistry and physics, with emphasis on nanomaterials with advanced functionality for energy conversion and storage, photonics, and electrochemical applications.

National Documentation Centre (EKT) founded in 1980 as a documentation unit within NHRF initially, developed to a National infrastructure in 1986. EKT is the National institution for the collection, aggregation, documentation and dissemination of the scientific information produced in Greece. EKT provides advanced services to the country’s research, education and business communities and the wider public. Through its e-infrastructure and services on top of the content it aggregates, EKT aims to cover the scientific information needs of the country and promote the Greek research outputs abroad.

NHRF’s Central Administration Unit, which is the fundamental core of NHRF, having the overall responsibility for handling and managing the administrative, financial and technical issues within NHRF. The Central Administration Unit consists of the following:

BSRC Fleming is one of the most rapidly developing research centers in Greece. It was established in 1998 and today is actively involved in cutting edge research in biomedical sciences. The Center currently hosts 14 research groups in 4 Institutes covering the areas of immunology, molecular biology & genetics , molecular oncology, cellular and developmental biology. Fleming has gained extensive visibility in the European Research Area through state of the art research programs in basic, as well as translational and applied science in biology, biomedicine and biotechnology (visit the Center’s achievements page).

Fleming is a non-profit organisation and operates under the supervision of the General Secretariat for Research and Technology (GSRT) of the Hellenic Ministry of Education. In 2005 Fleming was proclaimed a “Scientific Center of Excellence” following a GSRT sponsored site visit by an international review panel of distinguished scientists.

The Healthcare and Bioscience iNet helps people in the sector, particularly in East Midlands’ businesses and universities, to develop new technologies, processes, products and services in order to build a healthy economy.

One Nucleus is a membership organization for international life science and healthcare companies. We are based in Cambridge and London UK, the heart of Europes largest life science and healthcare cluster.Established in 1997, and formerly known as ERBI, One Nucleus is a not-for-profit, membership organization and located in Cambridge and London – the center of Europes leading life science and healthcare cluster.

BioCity provides a home for new and growing bioscience businesses. We create the right environment so that our tenant companies have the strongest chance of success; for minimum upfront costs. We do this by providing flexible laboratory and office facilities, investment, business support and access to shared services.

South East Health Technologies Alliance (SEHTA), is now one of the biggest health technology networking organisations in the country.SEHTA has provided significant support to companies, universities and public and private health providers through publicly-funded resources and programmes.

From pioneering work in optical technologies and digital switching through to work in advanced software techniques and protocols, Adastral Park is recognised as one of the leading center of technical innovation in the communication world.

In 2005, The Cambridge Science Park Innovation Center opened. The Center is typical of the flexible and practical approach to letting arrangements that has allowed early-stage companies to grow and flourish according to their particular circumstances.The centre represents another major milestone in the relationship between industry and academia and the prospect of further exciting development ahead for the Cambridge Science Park.

The Norwich Research Park is a business community of research organisations with world-leading science credentials and over thirty science and technology based businesses.The main strength of Norwich Research Park is the concentration of world-leading scientists coupled with the capability for multidiscliplinary research. We continue to build on this by attracting new partners and innovative businesses to the Park to collaborate in our research and to develop our vision.

The Surrey Research Park is a major centre of excellence in technology, science, health and engineering, The Surrey Research Park is widely regarded as the best science park of its kind in the UK.

The University of Warwick Science Park offers office and lab space as well as a range of business support services across Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull. For almost 30 years it has been one of the premier science parks in Europe.

Harwell Oxford is a science, innovation and business campus based in South Oxfordshire at the heart of Science Vale UK.There is also extensive development potential for new or growing organisations and inward investors looking to become part of this globally significant community.